<p>Mangaluru: Yakshagana's first ever woman Bhagavatha (vocalist) K Leelavathi Baipadithaya to storm the male bastion, passed away on Saturday, December 14.</p><p>She was 77 years old. Leelavathi, born in Madhur in Kasargod district in Kerala, was married to Thenkuthittu Yakshagana artist and guru --Harinarayana Baipadithaya. Though Leelavathi did not have any formal school education, she completed Hindi Visharada course and learnt Carnatic vocal for seven years.</p><p>With the support of her husband Harinarayana Baipadithya, Leelavathi went on to learn Bhagavathike. Leelavathi was the first woman who had toured along with professional Yakshagana 'melas' (touring troupes) who performed all-night shows. In her 40-year active career in Yakshagana, Baipadithaya toured with 'melas' as Bhagavatha for two decades.</p><p>She sung in Yakshagana melas like Subrahmanya, Puttur, Kadri, Karnataka, Bappanadu, Kumble, Talakala and Aladangady. In addition, she sung as ‘athithi bhagavatha’ in different Yakshagana troupes for about 17 years. Her ‘bhagavathike’ in professional troupes had attracted many women to Yakshagana in 1980s.</p><p>Leelavathi was also involved in identifying and grooming young talents at Yakshagana training centre in Dharmasthala for 10 years. Leelavathi also served as Yaksha guru to students in Kateel, Moodbidri and Bajpe. Leelavathi, who rose to popularity for her rich and melodious voice, earned many fans over the years.</p>.Karnataka Yakshagana Academy awards 'Parthisubba Prashasthi' to Bannanje Sanjeeva Suvarna.<p>In recognition to her contributions to Yakshagana, Karnataka Yakshagana Academy presented her with its award in 2010. She was presented with the Yakshamangala Award by the Mangalore University in 2015, Alva's Nudisiri Award in 2015, Ullala Rani Abbakka Award, Karavali Lekhaki, Vachakiyara Sangha Award, Udupi Pejawar Math Award, among others.</p><p>Leelavathi was also presented with Rajyotsava Award in 2023. Since 2021, "Shri Harileela Yakshanaada Award", instituted in honour of Guru couple Harinarayana Baipadithaya and Leelavathy Baipadithaya, is presented to the unsung artistes in Yakshagana. Leelavathi is survived by her husband Harinarayana Baipadithaya, sons Avinash Baipadithaya, who serves as an editor of the Digital wing of Prajavani, and Guruprasad Baipadithaya.</p>
<p>Mangaluru: Yakshagana's first ever woman Bhagavatha (vocalist) K Leelavathi Baipadithaya to storm the male bastion, passed away on Saturday, December 14.</p><p>She was 77 years old. Leelavathi, born in Madhur in Kasargod district in Kerala, was married to Thenkuthittu Yakshagana artist and guru --Harinarayana Baipadithaya. Though Leelavathi did not have any formal school education, she completed Hindi Visharada course and learnt Carnatic vocal for seven years.</p><p>With the support of her husband Harinarayana Baipadithya, Leelavathi went on to learn Bhagavathike. Leelavathi was the first woman who had toured along with professional Yakshagana 'melas' (touring troupes) who performed all-night shows. In her 40-year active career in Yakshagana, Baipadithaya toured with 'melas' as Bhagavatha for two decades.</p><p>She sung in Yakshagana melas like Subrahmanya, Puttur, Kadri, Karnataka, Bappanadu, Kumble, Talakala and Aladangady. In addition, she sung as ‘athithi bhagavatha’ in different Yakshagana troupes for about 17 years. Her ‘bhagavathike’ in professional troupes had attracted many women to Yakshagana in 1980s.</p><p>Leelavathi was also involved in identifying and grooming young talents at Yakshagana training centre in Dharmasthala for 10 years. Leelavathi also served as Yaksha guru to students in Kateel, Moodbidri and Bajpe. Leelavathi, who rose to popularity for her rich and melodious voice, earned many fans over the years.</p>.Karnataka Yakshagana Academy awards 'Parthisubba Prashasthi' to Bannanje Sanjeeva Suvarna.<p>In recognition to her contributions to Yakshagana, Karnataka Yakshagana Academy presented her with its award in 2010. She was presented with the Yakshamangala Award by the Mangalore University in 2015, Alva's Nudisiri Award in 2015, Ullala Rani Abbakka Award, Karavali Lekhaki, Vachakiyara Sangha Award, Udupi Pejawar Math Award, among others.</p><p>Leelavathi was also presented with Rajyotsava Award in 2023. Since 2021, "Shri Harileela Yakshanaada Award", instituted in honour of Guru couple Harinarayana Baipadithaya and Leelavathy Baipadithaya, is presented to the unsung artistes in Yakshagana. Leelavathi is survived by her husband Harinarayana Baipadithaya, sons Avinash Baipadithaya, who serves as an editor of the Digital wing of Prajavani, and Guruprasad Baipadithaya.</p>
